With kids out of school and weather being warmer, many people choose to move in the summer. Each move presents its own set of challenges, and if you’re moving in late summer, there are some unique ones to consider. Extreme heat can be the greatest challenge. You must consider the effect of heat on you, your crew, and your pets and children, as well as the items you are packing.

And you can’t forget that back-to-school season is right around the corner. You may have to be ready for the kids to start school soon after you move. Will you need to register them? When will you squeeze in school supply shopping? While late summer moves may present you with a bit more required planning, it can certainly be accomplished! Here are some tips to help you along.

Tips for You and Your Crew

• Dress for the job. Wear cool, lightweight and light-colored clothing, and don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Make sure everyone stays hydrated. Have plenty of water on hand for you and your crew. It’s very easy to become overheated and dehydrated, so make sure everyone is drinking lots of fluids. Also, know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
• Plan to start the move early in the morning before the temperature rises, and take regular breaks as the day warms up.
• Pack a cooler with cold, wet towels for welcomed relief from the heat.
• Have the power and utilities on at both ends of the move. You will need the air conditioning and refrigerator in both places.
• Set up portable fans in garages, where much of the loading and unloading is done.

Tips for Packing

• As you are packing, be aware of heat-sensitive items. Things like electronics and candles can’t withstand the heat in a hot moving van, and some things, like aerosols, are not allowed in the van.
• You can use soft-sided coolers to pack DVD’s, laptops, digital cameras and photo albums. Clearly label them and plan to take theses special items with you.

Tips for Planning

• Plan ahead for your children and pets. They will need a safe, cool place to play and rest. Call on a friend or family member to babysit or book your pets in a kennel. If the kids must stay on moving day, leave out some toys and activities to keep them busy and safely out of the way.
• Prepare for school registration. If you can’t register your children in advance, make sure you hand carry school records, vaccination records and other documents. You don’t want to be frantically searching through boxes to find the documents you will need soon after arrival.
• Get school supplies before you move, if you can. Many schools put out a supply list that you can have sent to you. Pack all the supplies together and clearly label the box.

No doubt, a late summer move can be a hot, exhausting task. I hope awareness of special considerations, along with these tips, will make it easier and safer for you. Here’s one last suggestion: Through it all, hold a vision of the cooler days of fall, when you will be happily settled in your new home.

For all your real estate needs, please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Reality and Home Staging. Also, sign up now for a free copy of my ebook, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know.”

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